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Adelaide coach Aurelio Vidmar has hailed his side’s 2-1 win over Sydney FC as one of the club’s greatest A-League victories.
United propelled themselves back into the finals contention at Hindmarsh Stadium on Friday night with a gutsy win that came despite having Fabian Barbiero sent off after only eight minutes.
Brazilian striker Cristiano netted his first goals of the season from two set pieces to leave Sydney’s hold on the competition lead hanging in the balance.
The relief for Adelaide was clear both in their post-match celebrations and Vidmar’s comments after the game.
“We had some great decent performances in the Asian Champions League last year, but I can’t remember a performance like that before in the domestic league,” said Vidmar.
“Everyone rolled their sleeves up. It was a fantastic night.
“Now we’ve got to think about how to beat Melbourne (next) week.”
Vidmar revealed Cristiano got his first start in more than a month at the expense of fellow import Lloyd Owusu after a major improvement in his training track form.
“Cristiano had to make a decision whether he wanted to work or sulk,” said Vidmar.
“His last two weeks have been absolutely brilliant and he’s taken his chance with both hands.”
Cristiano was the Reds’ leading scorer in the league last season but has found life harder this season, as have United, taking just 11 out of 21 points at home.
Sydney’s sole positive was a return to scoring form by striker John Aloisi, who bagged a consolation goal after coming on with 30 minutes to play.
The former Socceroo said Adelaide were deserved winners but believed Sydney would bounce back quickly.
“They were organised and always dangerous from set pieces and they punished us,” Aloisi said.
“It was just one of those nights that things didn’t go for us.
“I’ve never seen (Adelaide defender Mark Rudan) make so many last-ditch tackles in his life.”
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